An A-Z visitors guide to Milwaukee Wisconsin. Sponsored by Key Magazine Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/146479
Find something for everyone at STATE FAIR THE WISCONSIN STATE FAIR, presented by U.S. Cellular, runs Thursday, Aug. 1, through Sunday, Aug. 11, and offers 11 days of fun on close to 200 acres of non-stop activity. The fair serves up 30 free stages of daily entertainment, thousands of animals, endless family activities, events, contests, vendors and culinary delights. The Main Stage presented by Potawatomi Bingo Casino brings national headliners to the fair (at an additional charge, but Main Stage tickets include fair admission if purchased prior to entering the fair). See KEY Arts & Entertainment for the Main Stage lineup. Agriculture is a central focus of the fair. Visitors can tour the barns, watch judging or take in an auction. Animal lovers also can visit two new entertaining and educational exhibits – White Tiger Discovery and Wild About Monkeys. While State Fair Cream Puffs are a famous fair staple, other food options abound. The fair's first annual food competition, the "Sporkies," challenged food vendors to create their most inventive culinary creations. (Think Deep Fried Taco Cheesecake or Cajun Frog Legs On-a-Stick.) Family fun includes youth exhibits, interactive activities, Sky Glider, Kiddie Kingdom and Giant Slide. SpinCity, the amusement ride and game area of the fair is perfect for kids of all ages with excitng new rides, games, food vendors and increased seating and shaded areas. Both pigs and ducks are represented this year at The Great American Duck Race and Saz's Racing Pigs. Alternating pig and duck races take place 48 each day on the hour, 10:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. In the air-conditioned, 200,000 square-foot Expo Center, shop-a-holics can browse through more than 400 vendors. There are many other marketplaces located throughout the Fair Park. This is just a sampling of what's going on as the fair celebrates 162 years of fun. General admission is $10/adults, $6/youth (ages 6-11), $7/for those with disabilities, military/veterans with ID and seniors (60 and older), and free for children 5 and under. Hours are 8 a.m.-11 p.m. Sunday-Thursday and 8 a.m. until midnight Friday and Saturday. Entry to the park ceases one hour prior to park closure. On the final day, Aug. 11, the fair will close at 10 p.m. Also that day, the Horse Barn closes at 3 p.m., Swine and Cattle Barns close at 4 p.m. and Sheep & Goat Barn and the Poultry & Rabbit Palace close at 5 p.m. For a great experience for all, the Wisconsin State Fair will continue its policy of bag searches upon entry to the Fair Park and the Parental/Guardian Youth Admission Policy will be in effect for the 2013 Fair. Fairgoers 18 and under entering the Fair after 5 p.m. must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian 21 years of age or older. Anyone entering the Fair Park after 5 p.m. may be asked to show a valid ID with proof of age. For information, phone 800-884-FAIR or visit www.WiStateFair. See Facebook.com/wistatefair or Twitter at twitter.com/wistatefair.